FLEXIBLE URETEROSCOPY IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF UPPER URINARY TRACT DISORDERS

Introduction: In this study our flexible ureterorenoscopy (f-URS) experience is presented.

Materials and Methods: Between January 2001 and September 2002, in 31 patients (23 for treatment of upper urinary tract (UUT) stone disease, 5 for diagnostic purposes, 2 for treatment of UUT transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) detected during diagnostic f-URS and 1 for incision of ureteral stricture) 7.5F f-URS was used.

Results: In the stone disease group; 20 patients had stones in the collecting system and 3 in the proximal ureter.

Pelvicalyceal system could not be reached in 2 patients and percutaneous nephrolithotripsy was performed. In another patient there was 7 mm. lower calyceal residual stone after f-URS. Remaining 20 patients (87%) became stone-free after the treatment.

F-URS was done for diagnostic purposes in 7 patients and no pathology was revealed in 5. Two patients with intraureteral tumors had undergone f-URS and Holmium laser resection.

One patient had lower ureteral stricture and multiple stones proximal to it. By anterograde percutaneous access stones were extracted with f-URS and the stricture was ablated with f-URS and Holmium laser.

Conclusion: Flexible ureteroscopes can effectively and safely be used in the diagnosis and treatment of UUT disorders.